Police are reviewing footage of a large sideline brawl involving parents and students that forced the abandonment of a schoolboy rugby game.
It comes as further details emerge about what prompted the Saturday morning scuffle during a 3rd XV game between Auckland Grammar and DeLa Salle College – with claims that a player was kicked in the head.
One witness has told the Herald that late in the game a red card – which eventually sparked the sideline brawl – related to a De La Salle player who allegedly kicked an opposing Auckland Grammar player in the head, knocking him unconscious.
A witness had earlier told the Herald the game on Auckland Grammar School’s lower artificial sports turf had minutes to play before the referee gave a visiting player a red card.
“As he did [give the card], there was just a hell of a commotion and the adults and whoever was on the sideline just started laying into each other,” they said.
The witness said about 30 seconds after the fight started, De La Salle players allegedly ran from the playing field and joined in – forcing the referee to call off the remainder of the game.
Several officers responded to what was described by police as reports of a “disorder” about midday at a school in Mt Eden and spoke to witnesses.
Auckland Grammar is one of New Zealand’s most prestigious schools and is served by some of the country’s most affluent suburbs. Photo / Greg Bowker
Police initially said no injuries were reported and no charges had been laid.
In an updated statement, police said they were aware of video footage circulating of the incident.
“We are in the process of obtaining this footage to determine any appropriate action for police to take.”
On Thursday afternoon, Auckland Rugby said it had not received any complaints about the incident, and therefore had not taken any further action.
The Herald understands Auckland Rugby personnel have also viewed video footage of the incident.
The union confirmed, however, that two red cards were issued during the game, before the altercation.
One was for a dangerous tackle and the other was “deliberate foul play”.
Both were being investigated through the usual judicial process.
One witness told the Herald the second red card was after a De La Salle player allegedly kicked an opposing Auckland Grammar player in the head, knocking him out.
Auckland Grammar headmaster Tim O’Connor and De La Salle College principal Myles Hogarty both issued identical statements when independently contacted by the Herald at the weekend.
“We understand the police are investigating an incident at the conclusion of a rugby match on Saturday.
“It is inappropriate for the school to comment while such an investigation takes place. The safety of our students, staff and supporters remains of paramount importance to us.”
Police have urged anyone with information on the incident that could assist inquiries to contact the 105 phone service, referencing file number 250728/0509.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers sport and breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.
